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I AM calling this week’s letter a smorgasbord because, like a buffet, there are quite a few different offerings.

First the bad news

After seven years of bickering, we may see a real war in the Middle East, principally involving Israel, Iran, and Syria. They’ve been at each others’ throats for decades, but now all parties are ramping up their respective militaries and defense systems.

If the saber-rattling becomes a real, all-out war, then the U.S. will inevitably support Israel. Russia and Pakistan will side with Iran. This could get ugly, so if this topic is of concern to you, check out drudgereport.com for the latest updates. My hope is that it’s nothing to worry about.

Some good news

I have had lower back pain, and a pulled muscle, for the past couple of months. This means that I hobble around like Quasimodo. I have some powerful painkillers, and they work well, but wear off in a few hours.

The other day, after a consultation with Dr. Lamar, he made a great suggestion: to make and drink a tea of turmeric, black pepper, and ginger.

He said that part of my problem was “inflammation,” which is a component of many diseases. He recommended turmeric (with added black pepper) and fresh ginger, as potent anti-inflammatories. If I sipped this tasty tea all day, my pain would be lessened considerably. He was right.

Cheap drugs?

When I was in New Hampshire last August I developed a small skin rash. I went to see a dermatologist; and within 10 minutes he said that it was simple eczema and prescribed a steroid ointment.

At a New Hampshire CVS pharmacy, a large tub of the ointment cost me $37. On Saipan, it costs a lot more.

But no matter what medication you are on, it is possible to find it cheaper online.

In many instances a prescription isn’t required. However, some online pharmacies do require your physician’s contact information. Still others require a prescription, which your MD knows how to send.

For example, if you want Viagra cheap (generic: sildenafil) many online pharmacies will sell it to you, often without a prescription.

Because there are so many online pharmacies (many in Canada) there is keen competition among them. Be diligent in your research before you buy, because prices can vary substantially.

I’ve been using online pharmacies for more than a year and they are simply fantastic. The only downside is that you may have to wait several weeks for your meds to arrive.

The greatest show on Earth

It’s YouTube, but you probably already knew that.

No matter what your interest, there’s a YouTube video about it.

I always learn something new, or find something funny (like babies who act as if they’re drunk), or re-runs of “What’s My Line?” Was our moon landing a hoax? There are videos about that, too.

One thing about YouTube: you’ll never be bored. There’s always something absorbing and good to see. Best of all, it’s free.